How attentive are you to your surroundings? Do you use your peripheral vision for awareness? Do you listen for those small sounds that occur all around you? Have you been trained to be aware? Have you trained yourself to be aware? Have you thought about what you are missing?
As I have observed people over the years, I have discovered that many are not aware of their surroundings. It only requires a little people watching in a department store to notice their unawareness. They are wrapped up in their own little world, oblivious to others.
Unfortunately, it is this unawareness that puts us in danger at times. Being unaware can be the cause of accidents, hence the laws against texting and driving. It can allow someone to pick our pockets or purses, especially when we are in a large crowd. In worst case scenarios, it can allow us to be abducted.
But there is another, positive reason to be aware. When we observe our surroundings, we notice the glory of God. How? We see and hear his creation declaring his glory. We notice the squirrel sitting on its haunches and cracking open an acorn. We notice unique formations of the clouds. We hear the birds singing. We see his glory in the flower’s blooms and the uniqueness of snowflakes. We hear and feel the rumbling of thunder.
God’s glory is on display every day. The Psalmist encourages us to be attentive to see and hear God’s creation declare his glory. As we train ourselves to be aware, we gain a new appreciation for and a new sense of awe of God. We become amazed at his handiwork. Our days become more enjoyable, and we become more enlightened.
I pray we all train ourselves to be more aware. I pray we see and hear God’s creation reveal his glory. I pray each one of us will be more enlightened and in awe, giving God the glory he deserves. Be aware. Use your peripheral vision. Listen to what is going on around you. See God’s glory. Be in awe. Give him the glory.
Psalm 19:1-4a
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
Marty Pressey 